Propitiation
1Jn 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Definition of propitiation: Propitiation is the act of appeasing or making well-disposed a deity, thus incurring divine favour or avoiding divine retribution.
The meaning of propitiation is clear, leading us to a place of understanding that there is a God who requires a perfect living sacrifice as demonstrated by the sacrifice of Jesus. There are so called gods (devils) who require sacrifice but there is only one God who can forgive sins. It is evident that animal sacrifice could not forgive sins or appease God fully and that is why He brought in the sacrifice of Jesus.
What makes appeasing God important is that the wrath of God against His own creation for failing Him through sin is removed once and for all. Taking into account what happened to Lucifer and his lot when they sinned; there was no propitiation for the sins of the devil. Therefore, we should be glad for Jesus our propitiation. This is a very important understanding we must allow to sink into our thinking before we get haughty and questioning of the ways of the Lord concerning mankind. This grace into God’s love for us is an interesting and mysterious understanding that the Holy Spirit has given to us. Hence, it is to be explored. It also gives us an understanding of why satan hates us so much.
I for one am glad that we no longer have to appease God through sacrifices of blood. Instead, the sacrifices of faith is quite acceptable with God because of Jesus. Faith has its pressures on humanity too, yet, it is the avenue for appropriating both natural and eternal life. The requirement now that God has of us is that we believe Him and what He did for us through Jesus. This brings great satisfaction to Him and ushers us into His presence and blessings like nothing else can.
It would be noteworthy to understand that satan too requires sacrifices that are evil and has falsely made man to believe that it is an acceptable practise. Human and animal sacrifices have killed many children and even adults in literal sacrifices by satan worshippers and others who are deceived by their evil gods. Added to this, abortion and other methods of killing have perpetrated the heart of man. Nothing is more evident in the destruction we see in lives today around the world through wars.
Apostle Paul writes about partaking of communion: 1Co_10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. What he means is, you cannot have one foot in with the devil and another with God at the same time. Many people who go to church today do devilish things and are members of secret societies that worship satan secretly. They portray themselves as good Christians but do things in secret that are an abomination to God. When we do not have the right relationship with God, we end up partaking of the table (benefits) of the devil. God forbid that we find ourselves doing this. That is why we must examine our hearts before we take part in communion.
The sacrifice of Jesus brought freedom from sin and death for all who would believe. However, it was not a blanket covering for everyone’s sins without repentance. Furthermore, one was required to then live a Godly life that is led by the Holy Spirit. In addition to this, one had to renounce all other gods and the devil. It is evident by modern practices of Christianity that one could try to live a holy life based on one’s own sacrifices but they are unacceptable to God. Only that which is of faith is accepted from now on. That is why, the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving are of such great value. Heb_13:15 By him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Though praises are not an offering of blood to God, they are praising God for who He is based on our understanding of what the Lord Jesus did for us. The true basis of our praise to God is in the knowledge of our salvation and the incredible price it cost. God is not seeking praise that comes from abject fear but from a clear understanding of His love and goodness toward mankind that was
demonstrated by His personal sacrifice.
There are religions that impose sacrifices of flesh and self flaying and other methods that are gruesome and cruel and have their basis in fear. These are all man made and devil inspired sacrifices that go nowhere. When building a wall that kept falling down, the mason in India said to my Pastor friend, “we need to sacrifice a hen to the demon”. The Pastor replied; “Jesus has already paid the price”. Then the Pastor prayed and the next time the mason went to build the wall, it stayed up. Jesus paid the asking price that even demons ask out of a false requirement trying to make it look like they control daily world events. No longer do they have control over the earth; we do, through Jesus.
The blood of Jesus has removed all enmity between God and man and has made a way for the worst of sinners to come and receive forgiveness from God on the basis of what Jesus did. The amazing part of this forgiveness is, there is no more remembrance of past sins. That means we are free from the bondage of death (wages of sin is death) and constant fear of retribution (a loveless life). Instead, a peace replaces our consciences and allows the freedom of joy and love and hope of a future with God in eternity. The blood of Jesus guarantees this because it was the only redeeming factor that could make it work in this manner. This was the decree of God and not man or devils. That is why animal sacrifices and devilish sacrifices cannot do anything to save the day.
Many in Eastern religions still sacrifice many things including humans and animals to appease their gods. These gods rule them with fear. Many burn play money to send it up as smoke to others who have previously departed this life. Now-a-days they are burning toy mobile phones saying the departed need them up there on their journey. How ridiculous can we get? Well, it seems that intelligent people can become pretty stupid with fear that is infiltrated by the lack of knowledge.
Why does God require blood? In the wisdom of God, life was given by Him to much of His creation (not stones and planets). In giving life, God created both spiritual beings and beings of flesh. To the beings of flesh, He put blood into their bodies as the life source on a natural plain. This blood carried the life giving properties within the body whilst breath (air) keeps that circulating in the body. So, as long as breath was there to the body, the blood acted as the life giving source. Man needed both breath and blood to have life. If you remove one of these elements there is no life. To answer the question of the need for blood by God; it is simply put as, His decree. Life for a life. By the spilling of blood, God decreed remission of sins. A spiritual law that cannot be broken. The blood in animals and humans was a way to retrieve His due by their sacrifice. However, since animals did not have a soul He took His own life given in the new man that is Jesus. He was the only sinless sacrifice. Anyone, who accepted Jesus as Saviour appeases God and receives eternal life. Anyone else, both spirit and flesh would be destroyed. This seems harsh but God placed a condition on salvation. That is why Jesus said; “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Satan and his cohorts are all going to be destroyed in the lake of eternal fire along with all unbelievers. God’s heart is, we should walk in His perfect love, not in anything that the world can give or offer dressed up as truth. The world was created by God so that we could come into a Godly and holy relationship with God through what He had made for all of us. The problem was, we went and sinned and then continued to sin in spite of God showing us the way in Jesus. How much more angry do you think God will get? Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Heb_10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
If the Law brought such punishment as death without recourse, how much more a punishment will those who belittle the blood of Jesus suffer? It seems that today, many people suffer through the abuse of communion. 1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 1Co 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 1Co 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
Let us come to the good news of the death of Jesus on our behalf rather than negatives of not accepting His sacrifice. It does carry both sides to it, of which we must be aware and choose wisely. God is watching our choices and judging them as we make them. His forgiveness awaits all who have sinned and all who will sin. Let us understand, repentance, which is obedience through the realisation of our sin which is better than any sacrifice we can offer God. Now, there is no more sacrifice for sin but a fearful looking toward the wrath of God for all those who will not walk in His love and holiness.
Lots of love
Pastor Noble
02/09/2018